Quake 1. That's what comes to mind after
about 90 seconds of play in this fantastic
little piece by Kona. If you're looking
for some old school action in a new school
game engine, Devonaire is your fix.
True, the map does use some Quake 1 textures
but it's in the gameplay that you get that
feeling you're back in 1996. Narrow platforms,
vertical action and twists and turns make
for non-stop fragfests. No lifts, just steps
and teleporters have you moving from one
side of the map to the other, searching
for that ever-elusive map strategy that
will elevate you to the top of the frag
list. Know what? Won't happen. Kona has
done such a superb job with this map that
a route is impossible. You cannot develop
a route, even a deviation of a route and
expect to win. This map is like chaos, packaged.
Your only hope is to correctly manage the
RL and the shotgun to their full extent.
How do I mean? See the above right image.
Action seems to really flock to that lowest
portion, with the blue floor. Once you're
down there, you're left with no weapons,
only the megahealth. So, as you and your
opponents move about the map you're going
to inevitably move towards the center which
is this lowest tier. There is a plasma gun
up a stairwell but the action is so close
and intense you'll have no time to get to
it. If you do manage to find yourself at
this lowest tier be ready to be fragged.
There is an escape hallway but it's very
tight and a well placed rocket on a nearby
wall or floor is lights out. You'll need
your A game if you plan on hanging with
this map.
Weapon selection is good, however, the
inclusion of the railgun takes away somewhat
from the whole feeling of the map. Almost
everything is close quarters here and, as
we all know, the rail isn't as effective
at handshake distance. No, if you want to
dominate this map, use the RL or the shotgun.
You'll have more "round the turn, face
to face" encounters than you'd like
and you'll need something that packs a whallop
at close range. The grenade launcher is
included in this map also and it actually
works. Just stand on one of the upper tiers
and start lobbing to the bottom to your
heart's content. You will get a frag.
Recommended player loadout is 3 max. You
can play with 4 if you want a 2 minute match.
No, 3 is good and 1v1 is perfect.
A hearty thumbs up indeed for Devonaire.
Download and enjoy.
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